The elephant moved from Perth Zoo to South Australia’s Monarto Safari Park has now arrived at her new home and has been pictured interacting with her new neighbour, Burma.
Heartwarming images show Permai locking trunks with Burma following keepers having successfully introduced the pair - the first of a new five-elephant strong herd to take up residence in South Australia.
After not having had elephant company for a while, both females were supported by their dedicated carers. Burma was a little shy at first, but they came together to say ‘hello’ through mesh contact in their barn. During their first interaction, both elephants displayed curiosity and gentle behaviours towards each other, which is a great first step and we are hopeful they will forge a strong friendship.
Permai arrived in South Australia after a gruelling 40-hour trip across the Nullarbor from Perth Zoo, with staff saying they were thrilled the relocation had been managed safely.
Monarto Safari Park Elephant Manager, Andrew Coers said the introduction on Wednesday evening had gone well, stating “you want them to come together. They link trunks, they put trunks over each other, and they give a little bit of push and shove.
“That’s all good stuff. They’re just trying to suss each other out.
“In the first instance, when she first arrived, we felt like Burma actually knew that there was another elephant in the area, and there was a bit of reluctance to come into the barn.”
Perth Zoo life sciences director John Lemon said the arrival was bittersweet for the WA team who travelled east with Permai.
Plans are underway to bring Permai’s former Perth neighbour - bull elephant Putra Mas - to the Monarto Safari Park in June or July, after his hormonal ‘musth’ period ends.
With female elephants living in matriarchal societies, the move for Permai was based on providing her with a herd social structure in which she can thrive.
Images: Former Perth Zoo elephant Permai meets new friend Burma at Monarto Safari Park. Credit: Perth Zoo.
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?
As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.
APT (Advanced Polymer Technology) is the leading global manufacturer of polyurethane-based materials, acrylic coatings and synthetic turf products for sporting and recreational applications. From…
Australia’s leading manufacturer of horizontal and vertical media filters suited to all types of commercial pools, water playgrounds marine parks, aquaculture and zoos. They are an ideal…
The P.A. People is a specialist integrator and contractor in sound reinforcement, audio visual systems, performance lighting and production communications. Over its almost 50 year history the company…
Smart Connection Consultancy is a boutique sport and recreation consultancy who has become one of Australia’s leading advocates for the use of synthetic sports surfaces as a vehicle to grow…
Otium Planning Group is a contemporary sport and leisure consultancy providing services in planning, facility development, management and funding for the sport, recreation and leisure industries…
With industry leading solutions in design and durability you can improve your facilities with our access control operations, payment systems and flexible personal locker storage solutions. Your…
Ausfit began in 1992, providing software services to the health and fitness sector including ClubWise, a fully hosted web-based product which combines state of the art club management software,…
We are the leading providers of kids fun multi-sports programs for Sport and Recreation Centres. Programs cover twelve common sports as well as Gross Motor Skill Development and suit children from as…
TO READ OUR UNIQUE DELIVERY OF NEWS COVERING
ALL SECTORS OF THE LEISURE INDUSTRY YOU WILL NEED TO SIGN UP.
You will be able to access more than 50,000 news items along with a
growing selection of additional features to help you be better informed in your work.
